Acquisition Essentials: A step-by-step guide to smarter deals

Appendix A. Checklist for a financial due diligence investigation

The review period would typically cover the last three years.

History and commercial activities

• Summary of the legal structure and ownership of and any changes since the last annual return

• Brief account of history, locations and nature of business

• Copy of the latest business plan and/or any corporate brochures

• Description of products/services and any other trading activities

• Details of main competitors and market position, including estimated market share and any recent industry surveys

• Details of key customers including terms of trade and an analysis of turnover by customer during the review period

• Details of key suppliers including terms of trade and an analysis of purchases by supplier ...